Lebanon—Social Enterprise Pilot Project (SEPP)

Regional conflicts have adversely affected Lebanon’s economy and led to increased social and political tensions in communities hosting Syrian refugees. One result has been strained government resources and poor public service delivery. Yet amidst these challenges, Lebanese young people are keen to contribute to their country’s development through social enterprise business models that create social value and serve marginalized populations. However, there are very few avenues of support in Lebanon to help promising social entrepreneurs launch and grow new mission-oriented businesses.

The Lebanon Social Enterprise Pilot Project (SEPP), funded by the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) (branded as SoUK.LB – Social Enterprise Hub), uses an evidence-based approach to demonstrate the potential of the social enterprise model to deliver social and economic impact in Lebanon. DAI, along with its local consortium partners, will work with social enterprises from high-impact sectors to accelerate and strengthen their organisational capacity through training, mentoring, and financing.

Sample Activities

Support the development of a pipeline of high-impact social enterprises at the idea, early, and growth stages through seed funding, training, and mentorship.

Increase the visibility of and awareness around the potential of the social enterprise sector in Lebanon.

Engage existing ecosystem partners and key stakeholders to set the stage for the sustainable development and growth of the social enterprise sector.

DAI is supporting NIRAS to promote sustainable land management policies and practices that will improve the economic well-being of rural Ethiopians and combat land degradation resulting from climate change.